Let's Play With Chalkboard Paint

If you’re still thinking of chalkboard paint as something that covers those old dusty blackboards in schoolrooms, you’re way behind the times. Today, chalkboard paint is a great way to embellish everything from walls to furnishings. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these great ideas.

This Crayola Crayon Colored Art Room proves that chalkboard paint is a playful option for kids’ rooms. And as SuperMom points out, this type of paint is also swell in nurseries (although you may not want chalk dust around baby). Speaking of kids’ rooms, here’s another great idea I ran across courtesy of The New Homemaker: Use chalkboard spray paint to cover a toy chest and let kids go crazy decorating it with colorful chalk.

Other wall-worthy ideas: Paint it on the wall above wainscoting in a playroom, then use the chair rail that juts out as a chalk holder. Or for a no-risk alternative, paint a piece of plywood and frame it instead, as shown on HGTV. And chalkboard paint doesn’t have to scream schoolmarm either, as this contemporary space with a chalkboard paint accent wall illustrates.

Or try a chalkboard paint backsplash in your kitchen. Take cues from this Suite101.com article and apply magnetic primer so you can stick handy magnetic spice holders, hooks, and the like to your backsplash (or wherever you’re going for the chalkboard look). It’s great for dorm-room decorating too (if it’s allowed).

If you’re inspired, here’s how to paint a wall with chalkboard paint, courtesy of DIY Network.

Paint is perfect for doors too. Turn boring old closet doors into the site of a car-loving little boy’s dreams. If you’re brave, you can even let kids tackle painting a portion of their own door (on the inside of the room, of course) with chalkboard paint.

There’s no need to stick with boring green or black chalkboard paint either. Try Martha’s ideas for creating a wall calendar, mudroom mural, message center, or pantry message station. Another option if green or black isn’t your thing: make your own color. Apartment Therapy tells you how.

Even if you don’t want to do a major painting project, add subtle touches of chalkboard paint by covering frames in it. Or paint coasters and leave out pieces of chalk so guests can doodle and write messages to one another.

And, in case I missed something, check out these 12 creative uses for chalkboard paint.

What clever ideas do you have for adorning your home with chalkboard paint?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Comments

[Randall, The Home Know-It-All]

Hi Ginger:

I’ve been on the look out for outdoor chalkboard paint, and it seems that most brands recommend only interior use. You could go ahead and try one. (What’s the worst that could happen? It could scrape off in a few months?) Or you could paint your fence with an outdoor, matte paint and use sidewalk chalk. Just make sure your surface is clean, dry, and dull before you apply any paint. Thanks for your question. Be sure to visit us again soon!

[Ginger]

i have a fence that would be a great chalkboard but i don't find any posting for using this paint for outdoors. do you know of any?